No marathon too far for developer

KUALA LUMPUR: When it comes to patriotism, there is “no marathon too far” for developer Jason Yam (pic).

The Australian-qualified electrical and computer engineer has been exploring the world to get to the finish line with enthusiasm and passion, always taking the Jalur Gemilang with him.

What started as a casual activity a decade ago is now a huge part of his daily routine as Yam trains hard to log the miles.

“Marathon training is all about persistence. Just imagining making it to the finishing gets the best out of me.

“I want to step outside my comfort zone and make lifelong memories through running, which is an excellent way to make new friends and also promote my country,” added Yam, who has taken part in many major local marathons as well.

The former student of St Paul’s Institution in Seremban has expanded his circle of patriotic marathoners to seven, among them former Bar Council chairman Datuk Lim Chee Wee.

At the recent Gold Coast marathon in Queensland, considered the pinnacle of Australia’s road running events, Yam was among 363 Malaysians who took part.

It was there that he came face to face with his idol, Japanese runner Yuki Kawauchi, who had earlier won the notoriously difficult Boston Marathon in relentless rain and punishing headwinds.

“Kawauchi is a racing machine. He completed 12 marathons last year,” Yam said.

Yam, the managing director of Sumbangan Lagenda Sdn Bhd which owns the Main Place Mall & Residence in USJ 21, has his sights trained on the 7th Mount Fuji Marathon in Japan on Nov 25.

“It is a well-organised marathon run along the scenic foothills of the mountain. It attracts about 20,000 runners,” said Yam, who is aiming to complete the race within five hours.

On the local front, Yam is doing his bit by helping promote a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians through annual walkathons organised by the mall.

The coming event on Oct 28 is tagged “A walk for the Ocean” aimed at bringing attention to the state of the seas.

“We are thinking of expanding the event into a mini-marathon to be held twice a year. We want to get more people to live and eat healthily.

“I would like to see more Malaysians running and finishing marathons,” he added.